Debasis Sen, Cape Town: A group of three pitch invaders provided the only comic relief in an otherwise dull and wet Day 3 of the first test match between India and South Africa here at Newlands. With the rain playing spoilsport all throughout the day, three spectators, possibly drunk, decided to create some action of their own as they invaded the rain-soaked field.
Fortunately for everyone, there was no ‘streaking’ involved, but the three men gave enough entertainment for the fans at the ground. They also gave the security guards a run around before they were all removed from the pitch and taken to deal with the authorities.
It was a hilarious 10 minutes as the invaders just evaded the security officials dodging past them.
With the rain gods providing the necessary relief for Cape Townians as the city is passing through drought, it was not enough as the three of them decided to invade the pitch, with one of them holding a South African flag.
The fans who stayed back must have been entertained by the antics of the pitch invaders.
The test match continues to hang in the balance with the hosts leading by 142 runs after Hardik Pandya singlehandedly pulled India back in the contest with a attacking 95-ball 93 and then getting rid of the South Africa openers late in the day.
On Day 2, India were bowled out on 209 runs in their first innings handing South Africa a 77-run lead. When the bails were drawn, South Africa were 65/2. The home team, however, will be without the services of Dale Steyn whose return to Test cricket has been cut short, for now, after hurting his heel on the second day. He has been ruled out for the remainder of the series.
The good news is that the weather is expected to stay bright for the final two days of the Test with 98 overs scheduled for each day’s play.